Legislators: Let us arm ourselves

Some say they should be able to carry guns in state Capitol

Jan. 12, 2013

Written by

David Lust

DonKopp

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Sen. Bruce Rampelberg, R-Rapid City, has talked about such a bill — but not seriously.

“I have jokingly talked about it but I haven’t put any real feet to it,” Rampelberg said.

Even though she’s not bringing a bill to let lawmakers carry guns into the courthouse, Olson said she supports the concept.

“It’s a constitutional issue,” she said. “I have a concealed weapons permit, and I should be allowed to take it with me wherever I go.”

Some states do let guns into their Capitol buildings, including Texas, Arizona and Wisconsin. Many others ban firearms there.

Lust said he’s not sure lawmakers with pistols is the best solution to any possible dangers the Capitol might face.

“That’s an issue we can discuss, but I’ve told folks in my caucus I’m more concerned frankly about the chief justice and the Supreme Court justices and the governor than I would be about ourselves,” he said.